Weekly Motor Fix: a classy 1955 Bentley S1

8 November, 2016

Such a charming and classy elderly lady, and one that brings poise and elegance with her wherever she goes. Observers pause a moment in their busy day to admire a classic from a bygone era as she glides along with such apparent ease.

Her first appearance in public was back in 1955, in Scotland, where she must have made many hearts beat faster as her rivals turned away in despair.

But bigger dreams were to become a reality, and soon she landed on the shores of America, where she had many suitors waiting to lavish love and affection on her.

She was probably often seen on the pages of many Who’s Who magazines, and stealing the limelight, however, as middle age advanced the call of the South Pacific became louder, and New Zealand became her next place of residence.

She has kept a diary of all her adventures, including her lineage and which suitor paid for what. Over the last 20 years she was really fortunate to be in a very caring and loving relationship with a gentleman of means who has been able to continue to treat her in the manner that she had become accustomed to.

She partook in delightful outings where everyone dressed to impress — which of course she herself has always attained to — including classy weddings and special occasions, though naturally, if the weather was even slightly inclement, she would stay snuggly in her luxury suite.

However, her present lover is getting a little elderly now, and isn’t getting out and about so much these days, so maybe it’s time for a new romance to begin all over again.

There’s still a lot of love and life in this old princess yet to be enjoyed, so if you’d like to arrange a time and place for a first date, phone 021 433 878

NZ Classic Car magazine, July August 2025 issue 400, on sale now

Good for the soul, a dose of Hemi Orange – Chrysler’s champion Charger
The Australian-developed Chrysler Charger was a game changer for the company in 1971, as it faced a faltering start introducing its new VH range. The stylish big coupe signalled a massive change of direction and emphasis for Chrysler.
Auckland racing driver Rod Coppins raced successfully in Australia and New Zealand. Rod found success behind the wheel of a couple of Chargers, and it is a special E49 R/T in the custody of Mike Todd for some years, that is our feature car.
A full restoration of this car has been completed at Auto Restorations (AR) in Christchurch. We recently sampled the car, ready to be shipped back to Mike and spoke to AR’s Harry Dawber, leading the team who completed the superb restoration of this rare piece of NZ motor racing history.
I mentioned that Chrysler Chargers were never built to this standard as we walked around the gleaming Charger in its Hemi Orange colour scheme.
“We took a lot of time getting those shut lines exactly right. It’s been a great car to work on, and the paint and trim have been very well done by the team here.”

Britannia rules the roads – Royal Tour Cars – part 2

Royal rollers and fancy Fords
Ford Zodiacs had transported the Queen Mother during her tour in 1958 but five years on, their glitz had perhaps faded a bit too much for an actual monarch. As there was no longer a convertible version of Britain’s Zephyr or Zodiac on offer, Ford looked to their American arm for a replacement, finding it in the huge Ford Galaxie. The Public Service Garage purchased the car at around £3000 for royal tour work and VIP transport.